Sunroof won't stay closed

6721Window · Posted: Fri Feb 27, 2015 11:33 pm Post subject: Sunroof won't stay closed

Hi folks. The sunroof on my bus won't latch shut and slides back as I drive even though I turn the mechanism handle as far as I can. On my prior busses, I remember the sunroof latching shut with almost a click or snap feeling and then holding closed. Does anyone have any suggestions on how to make the latch stay closed? Is something stripped or broken in the mechanism? Any suggestions would be helpful. Thanks.

EverettB · Posted: Sat Feb 28, 2015 8:55 am Post subject:

I only have my '55 to compare but it doesn't click shut.
The latch does have a hook though so if it's totally shut, it can't slide backwards, the hook is inside the body holding it closed.

When you turn the handle to the closed position, even if the sunroof if partially open, it pulls the front edge down and holds it against the sliders with pressure. Does your Bus do that?

If you can, open it 1/2 way, turn it shut, then post some pics of the front so we can see if it looks locked down.

I tried to find a couple photos and only came up with this:
Hook and fully open photo:

Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.

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6721Window · Posted: Sat Feb 28, 2015 9:19 am Post subject:

Thanks Everett. I have the hook piece, it slides into the section in the roof and then when I turn the handle, it pulls tight. But then when I drive, it comes loose and slides back. Anyone else have this problem? I just want the sunroof to stay closed.

G-wood Todd · Posted: Sat Feb 28, 2015 9:35 am Post subject:

When I close mine, it does feel like it "snaps" in place. There is nothing in the handle itself that "locks". I think its a combination of the top bow sinking down (as Everett mentioned) as the sunroof tightens and stretches tight. I believe its this combo that keeps the sunroof latched in place.
_________________
and take the kids for instance "Are we going in the Volkswagen bus?" and they say "Yay!" and clap their hands and if it's a glorious day you can slide the sunroof back and let a little of the glory in and all of a sudden, it stops looking funny.

-Volkswagen ad

G-wood Todd · Posted: Sat Feb 28, 2015 9:59 am Post subject:

I snapped a few shots for reference.

Mechanism and hook in the closed position.

Mechanism and hook in the open position.

_________________
and take the kids for instance "Are we going in the Volkswagen bus?" and they say "Yay!" and clap their hands and if it's a glorious day you can slide the sunroof back and let a little of the glory in and all of a sudden, it stops looking funny.

-Volkswagen ad

hitest · Posted: Sat Feb 28, 2015 11:42 am Post subject:

G-wood Todd · Posted: Sat Feb 28, 2015 3:11 pm Post subject:

6721Window · Posted: Mon Mar 02, 2015 4:24 pm Post subject:

Thanks for the comments. Everett, I pulled it back and worked the mechanism. When it is disengaged from the bus body (i.e., the hook is free), it "snaps" shut like my other busses did. Then when I try to close it and secure it to the bus, it won't go all the way. There must be some kind of obstruction that is preventing it from going all the way. It's like the headliner is too thick or there is something between the sunroof and the roof metal that won't let it close. Oh well. I'll press on and figure it out. Don't want to mess with the headliner though since it is new.

56reddy · Samba Member Joined: October 22, 2005 Posts: 774

Sounds like the sunroof cover may be installed too short. This would keep the header bow from reaching the roof metal, and keep you from being able to fully turn the handle.
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EverettB · Posted: Mon Mar 02, 2015 4:58 pm Post subject:

6721Window · Posted: Mon Mar 02, 2015 9:16 pm Post subject:

The point about the canvas being too tight is a good one. When I try to close it as hard as possible (without breaking anything), the front bow is raised about 1.5 inches off the top of the bus. It doesn't press down like it should and seal the sunroof to the roof. I think you guys are right. Any thoughts on a fix?

56reddy · Samba Member Joined: October 22, 2005 Posts: 774

A possible fix could be to loosen the hold down strip at the rear of the sunroof. This will allow the the canvas to move as you tighten the handle. Once the sunroof is fully closed then tighten the rear strip.
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New Vintage Specialist.
1974 ghia convertible
1981 Vanagon Westfalia
Making VW’s Fun Again.(MVFA)

Bad Hippie · Samba Member Joined: March 11, 2013 Posts: 171

There is a spring that should be attached to the hook in the guts of the header bow center mechanism. It appears one of its functions is to hold the hook over to the side, keeping it holding on to the socket in the roof. If the spring is broken or missing that hook may just flop around and not hold on. I see from your photo you don't have a headliner on the sunroof (just like mine) so it will be cake to just look to see if the spring is in good shape. It's not hidden or anything. While you're in there operate the handle. Make sure all of the pivot points are functional (there are quite a few). I found many of mine to be frozen, which would definitely effect the clamping action.


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